Charlotte, NC - The Johnson & Wales men's basketball team got new head coach Josh Gross's tenure off to a soaring start as they opened the season with a 108-77 win over Blue Lights College on Monday night.

JWU (1-0) shot 50% from the field, and 59% from three in the first half in building a 59-30 halftime advantage. Zyrion Wilkins made four first half threes en route to 16 points to lead the charge for the Wildcats. Anthoney Ray also scored in double figures in the first half with 10 points. 

The Wildcats shooting cooled in the second half, but they were able to maintain a comfortable distance from the Thoroughbreds (0-1) due in large part to a +28 advantage on the boards, including 28 on the offensive end.

Wilkins finished with a career-high 23 points and 11 rebounds. Fred Patterson came off the bench to score 17 points and grab 11 rebounds, and handed out 6 assists, all career bests. Collin Irby (13), Anthoney Ray (12), and Jaylen Dibble (12) all scored in double-figures. Jaben Mars also added 7 rebounds to the effort.

JWU is next in action at home on Friday when they play host to Gaston College at 8pm.